DOCUMENTATION, 3D MODELING AND REPLICATION OF ARCHAEOLOGICAL ARTIFACTS

Modern documentation methods like laser scanning or image-based modeling give us the possibility to create a real 3D model of our findings. At the CTU (Czech Technical University) in Prague, in the framework of a co-operation between the Laboratory of Photogrammetry and other institutions such as the Department of Archaeology of West Bohemia University or regional institutes for historical objects, new methods based on both above mentioned technologies of 3D objects documentation are tested. This contribution deals with inexpensive virtual reconstruction possibilities based on close-range photogrammetry in an image based modeling form or professional laser scanning and 3D printing using rapid prototyping technology. Thanks to low-cost and easy-to-use technology we are able to produce scaled 3D virtual models or real prints, which can be included with objects in any virtual museum. We use a low-cost 3D printer based on cheap PLA plastic and a professional Zprinter 4503D printer, thus we are able to produce a real print of the artifact. In this article, we will describe two methods as case projects: replication of an archaeological burial container from Peru and reconstruction of remnants of glass bowls from the 17th century from Prague.